17 And when he had come near unto her, the woman said, [Art] thou Joab? And he answered, I [am he]. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thy handmaid. And he answered, I hear.

18 Then she spoke, saying, They used to speak in old times, saying, If you have a question ask it at Abel; and so they concluded [the matter].

19 I]am one of those that are] peaceable [and] faithful in Israel, and thou seekest to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel; why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?